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Next generation of the ScotRail Alliance get career on track

Posted: 13th July 2017

The ScotRail Alliances’s fourth intake of Modern Apprentices has celebrated securing permanent employment on the railway and completion of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The 18-month-long Customer Service Modern Apprentice scheme saw six apprentices, aged 18-22, work towards achieving a Level 2 Scottish Vocational Qualification in Customer Service as well as a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

During the programme, they were trained, paid and given placements in key frontline customer service roles including – station booking office, gateline, ticket examiner and on-train hospitality host.

Additionally, three apprentices gained a modern apprenticeship in Level 3 engineering maintenance.

The engineering apprenticeship is a four-year programme where the first year is spent at full time college and thereafter day release for the remaining three years.

All eight of the apprentices have secured full-time positions within the ScotRail Alliance.

Jordan Bingham, ticket examiner, said: “The Modern Apprentice program is probably one of the best things I have done.

“During my time as an apprentice I learned new skills and gained confidence with working with new people and the public.

“I was thrilled to secure full-time employment on completing my apprenticeship. It just proves the worthwhile the programme is.

“I would recommend it to anyone that’s looking to challenge themselves and improve in what they do.”

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.